First Knife Rules for 8 year old

I would suggest a camp/ scout type knife for a first knife. The Cub scouts are a great place for young boys to learn how to use a knife safely. the assisted opener you are intending to give him is a bit over the top for an 8 year old child
 
I disagree I think it is a good lock opener/closer, easy to keep a hold on. When i was 9 I think I got a case and cut myself all the time opening it or when it closed on myself.

Props.
 
I completely understand the different points of view, especially when I left out the environment. VERY rural county, everyone knows everyone, nephews live down a dirt road surrounded by lots of woods where they ride their 4-wheelers, etc. Neighbors are all family and friends. I actually managed some land not to far away when I worked as a forester. And their mother is on board.

I debated on the Flash-1, but the extra lock that keeps the blade closed, the axis lock, and the handle's finger groves seem to be made for a child’s hand sold me. I have mixed feelings myself about the opening assist, but my hopes are when they open the knife for use, it will assist in opening it fully. I wish it had a more traditional look, but that is my personal preference and it shouldn't really make a difference as they are only allowed to carry under supervision, which will not be in public (by circumstance, not public pressure).

Thanks again for the input.
 
It's not my nephew and I don't get a vote, but I think a locking knife of any kind is not the right knife for anyone's First Knife. If you learn with a Slip Joint how to use a knife you will probably never complain about Lock Strength later on. You'll learn the right way to cut with a knife and not depend on the lock. I also don't think an Assisted Opening knife is a good idea for a child. I think it sends the wrong message, to the child and to everyone he's going to show it to.

Get him a good SAK, a Boy Scout knife or any Slip Joint of his choice. Show him how to safely open and close the knife, peel a potato, whittle a bar of soap, and most important...How to Sharpen a knife. If you have a tool you should know how to take care of it.
 
I'd start them out with a SAK, a slipjoint, or a lockback. I think 8 year olds need to start on something less aggressive. I will soon be thinking about my son's first knife when my son turns 8 this year.
 
It locks closed, but I've never had a knife open on me. Think of what his friends' parents will say.
 
I, a knife knut, still EDC only my Victorinox Explorer and I've been using them for 10 years. I really never saw the use of a lock, as stated somewhere else on the forums, how often do I cut with the back of the blade? I really think it would help to get him into slipjoints at first. Also, the other tools and variety of the knifre blades will surely keep him interested. Get him the Explorer or another model with a magnifier and show him how to roast some bugs with it :D
 
5th bday I got a 2" slipjoint... 7th I got a SAK, 8th I got a cheap multi... Was born out in the country, moved to the city shortly after my 5th bday. I've carried a knife daily since the first one(which I still have).

My neice already uses my knife, she's only 3(just don't tell my sister)... was playing with playdough today and she was trying to cut with the cheap "scalple" and asked to use my knife. opened and handed her the 3" slipjoint(big for her but safest edge) and she used it off and on for about 45min. Well on her way to getting a knife. No cuts to her or the table. I used my ss 'fly right beside her, and she's watched me use knives a lot. Good kid. Doesn't play with my knives when I leave em around, and brings them to my computer desk if she finds em.

I've recommended a knife to lots of ppl for a first, same thing this little one is getting. Spydie Jester, in SS and PE. 2" blade with lots of grip and a good lock. Cheap to boot(could get lost or taken by my sister). 4th bday or xmas, she's getting one in 04. Both me and my sister got our first for 5th bday gifts from my grandfather.

I've broken 1 knife in 15yrs, product defect.
 
i have seen 8 yr olds still sucking their thumb(by the way thats the parents fault) and i have seen 8 yr olds drive farm tractors and my 8 yr old could jack a 1/2 ton truck up and change the tire at 6. that is why my 8yr old carries a mini socom-we went through many knives looking for the right fit and the opportunity to learn. sounds like QUIET BEAR put a lot of thought in to this decision and feels his nephews can handle it-i know a lot of 30 yr olds that should not carry a rubber knife. all of my children are workers and have the opportunity on a daily basis to use professsional/contractor grade tools all the time-they are all skilled wood workers-my inlaws(sheeple) are constantly giving me a ration of @##$ over this-the reason is they themselves do not possess the skills or abilities to do the same(this is not an accusation) people are brought up differently. rural kids and city kids or urban kids face different challenges- by the way our children are home schooled-I still think QUIET BEAR is doing a good thing and im sure he knows what his nephews are capable of--just a little perspective:)
 
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